blogging

Lately, when I’m on Pinterest, I find myself quietly singing, “My boards are alive… with the sound of Valentines.” (to the tune of “The Hills are Alive, with the Sound of Music.”) I’m a brilliant lyricist. (not) But it’s true, right? Everywhere you turn people are pinning ideas for this season of Love.

I’ve made some lovely little sachets for Mireio. Sweet things that come in parchment envelopes to give to your sweetheart. But I’m seriously turning my thoughts to how to sweeten up things here at home as well. Ideas that don’t always include sugar, though, because: resolutions!

I’ve been turning this idea over for the past few weeks, and I’ve decided to find little ways, sweet ways to tell the people I love how adored they are this year. I’m not sure what all I’m going to do just yet, but I’ll be posting my progress here on the blog. I think a few craft projects, some baking, maybe even a collaborative project to send to friends? I think we’ll call it 14 days of Love. Starting February 1, I’ll post my first project.

Sound good to you? If you want to play along, let me know. I’d love to see your projects and ideas!!

I was recently contacted by Sheila of StylishHome.com for an interview. I had no idea when I responded that such a lovely article would run in my local (albeit the online version) paper. We’re crossing our fingers that it will also run in the hardcopy later, but I have to say, either way I was really pleased with the outcome. I think Sheila did an amazing job translating my answers into an interesting article—and I was personally overjoyed with the title. I am a mom, foremost. And part of what I love about Mireio, is that it allows me to live into my calling as a mom. So, a very big thank you to StylishHome and all of you who have been so supportive of my adventures with Mireio.

For those of you who don’t know SylishHome, it’s a terrific resource for home decor and decorating ideas. You can even log in and keep track of your decorating ideas–and they feature handmade artists as well. I hope you’ll take a look!

If you’ve ever written a blog, then you know that it can be a lonely process. Especially in the beginning. You pour your heart and soul into each post only to be met by what feels like radio silence. Maybe people don’t know you well enough to comment. Or maybe they don’t know how far a little encouragement can go.

But when someone does take the small moment to leave a comment, well, it’s wonderful! As a writer, it makes your day. It’s as if someone stopped by and said, “Let’s have a cup of something warm… together.” All of sudden, you are not so alone with your thoughts and dreams. Through the static of radio silence comes a faint signal. A friendship begins.

Or, at least, that’s how this writer feels. I adore comments, I won’t lie. It’s not that I need to be told how wonderful I am… it’s that I adore to hear from YOU. And I think it’s important you know that. Sure, it’s easier to pop over to facebook or twitter and jot a “well done.” And this blogger is grateful for that too. But when you stop to share yourself with ME on this blog—it’s something special. It’s a cup of love.

So, I’ve decided in this month dedicated to all things LOVE, to try to make a difference. Because I know how important those comments are, I’m making a concerted effort to leave comments for others. Just one blog a day. Just one comment. Just one “cup of love” to someone else who has made an effort to share themselves by blogging.

I hope you’ll be inspired to do the same. It’s not a big commitment. You probably already read several blogs a day. Just choose one, and send them a cup of love. I have a feeling it could be the start of a beautiful friendship!

(PS… are you lonely on your blog? You don’t have to be! I follow up with people who comment here… so tell me your story in the comments and I’ll come take a peek. We can have a cup of virtual coffee together!)

I’ve never been a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions; mostly because mine always seem to drift away long before the end of any given January. Instead, for the past few years, I’ve opted to “theme” my year. Last year was about connectivity—and building deeper relationships with loved ones via the mail. I’m not abandoning that theme this year, in part because it’s a lot of fun to send mail and write letters. But also, because I think it goes hand in hand with this year’s theme of “presence.”

One of ways I’m trying to be more present is by blogging more of my personal life here at Mireio. I know most of you tune in to see what’s new with the store and I so appreciate that! However, I thought it would be great to share more of myself here—and hopefully, connect better with YOU! You see how my two themes are interacting?

So, the little photo above is my first step into this year’s theme of Presence. This colorful collection of treasured items sits on top of one of my supply bookshelves in my studio. You’ll notice the “Y” in the spelling of my name on the wood car–inscribed long before I changed my name. It was a childhood toy given to me by a visiting Missionary at church. Originally, I had colored on the toy (the intent–they handed us wood toys and markers) with wild abandon. However, my 4 year old self couldn’t execute the design I had in mind and when I surveyed my work, I was shattered. Tears, everywhere. Apparently, my perfectionistic tendencies started early!

Someone had compassion on me. Over the objection of stern parents, this woman sat down with me, fresh markers, and a new car. She asked just what I had intended and then promptly created my vision of beauty on this toy car. While my parents saw a child having a fit over “nothing”, this adult (who I didn’t really know!) saw a little artist struggling to get her vision across. Her act of compassion has stayed with me—influenced so much of my vision of beauty (not to mention good parenting skills!). I keep this tiny wood car close as a remembrance and a reminder: we all struggle. Sometimes, we need help. And that I desire compassion to be at the heart of all I do.

What about you? Do you make resolutions for the year? Do you keep reminders close to you of your goals and dreams?

Where have I been? Where have YOU been? I hope outside playing and enjoying summer. I’ve been splitting my time between a stack of library books and doing time in the studio. And I’ve been photo-journaling my summer over on Evidently.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about the fall launch and making plans, sourcing new products, and getting ready for the big 2 year Anniversary in August. There will be a SALE! as always and I hope you’ll tune in to see all the new and amazing things I have in store for Mireio as we head into the Fall.

But not just yet… soon! I’ll keep you all posted and hope you’ll keep in touch! There’s still plenty of time for playing in the sun and I’m hoping to squeeze in some of that while I work on all the surprises in store for Mireio!